Graduate Climate Conference COVID-19 Protocols
The Graduate Climate Conference (GCC) is organized by graduate students, for graduate students, in order to build relationships and increase understanding and collaboration across all climate-related disciplines. To accomplish these goals, the GCC is committed to the health and well-being of our meeting attendees, and organizers. As part of our effort to hold a safe and productive meeting, the GCC has determined that proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for all registrants attending the GCC meeting at the Pack Forest Conference Center, Washington. Every attendee will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) before being allowed to enter Pack Forest Conference Center.
Please note: The CDC considers individuals to be fully vaccinated two weeks following a second dose of mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For international attendees, this guidance applies to COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (i.e., AstraZeneca/Oxford, Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac) - 2 weeks after final dose.
While the CDC does not currently require individuals to receive booster shots to be fully vaccinated, we highly recommend that you receive one before traveling if you are eligible. For more information on booster eligibility, please see here. Finally, we advise everyone to take proper precautions when traveling to and from the conference. Please wear a mask while on an airplane or train and while in a rideshare vehicle. Wash your hands frequently, and maintain distancing when possible.
1. Showing Proof of Vaccination
Prior to arriving on site, attendees will be asked to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by FDA*. We advise that attendees also bring a copy or photo of your proof of vaccination to registration. It should clearly show which vaccine you received and the dates you received each shot. International attendees should always check current travel restrictions to the U.S. on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website before planning your travel to make sure you will be able to enter the U.S.
*For those unable to be vaccinated for reasons such as medical conditions or religious beliefs, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the meeting may be substituted for vaccine proof. These attendees will also be required to complete an exemption form that must be signed by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, ND, ARNP or PA).
1.1 Accepted Vaccines
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen
- Moderna
- AstraZeneca-Oxford
- Sinopharm
- Serum Institute of India: Covishield
- Sinovac: CoronaVac
2. Arrival Wellness Check
Conference attendees will be required to participate in a wellness check upon arrival for the GCC 2024. A rapid test will be provided by the conference organizers. Admittance to the conference will not be allowed until a negative result is shown.
*Attendees unable to be vaccinated for reasons such as medical conditions or religious beliefs will be required to show results of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the meeting, and will also be expected to take a rapid test upon arrival. For these attendees, a negative rapid test upon arrival cannot be substituted for a negative PCR test.
3. Isolation Protocols
Attendees who feel ill or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 before or during the meeting should immediately contact the GCC 2024 co-chairs Rudra Thaker (thaker2@wisc.edu), Lily Zhang (lnzhang@uw.edu), Mackenzie Blanusa (mackenzie.blanusa@columbia.edu), and Evan Meeker (emeeker2@wisc.edu). An isolation apartment will be provided to allow said attendee to quarantine for the remainder of the conference.
4. Other Onsite Safety Measures
- Masks: We will have masks available on site during oral and poster presentations, keynotes and workshops. Masks will not be required in shared accomodations, at meals or at social events.
- Hand sanitation stations will be available onsite for attendees.
- Self-assessment – If you are feeling unwell and/or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should not attend.